JONNY BAIRSTOW is worried that he will be out of cricket for the remainder of the year. He broke his left leg while playing golf.

Bairstow is in urgent need of surgery. He will be absent next week's decisive Third Test against South Africa, as well as the Twenty20 World Cup and possibly the three-Test tour to Pakistan in December.

England's cricketer of the summer fell while walking on a teeing area at Pannal Golf Club near Harrogate yesterday.

It's a devastating blow to England, and it happened just as Rob Key was announcing England’s 15-man squad for Australia's Twenty20 World Cup.

England had planned for Bairstow, who was No.4 in England, to take over the opening batting position with Jos Buttler.

It is now likely that Alex Hales, Phil Salt, or Dawid Malan will be the first to join Butter.

Batsman Ben Duckett of the Notts will replace Bairstow at the Oval in the Test squad next week, while his replacement for the T20 World Cup will be announced later.

Bairstow has four Test centuries to his name this summer. He wrote on Instagram: "Unfortunately I will not be available for any games/tours immediately."

"It is because I have inflicted my lower leg in an accident that was very freakish and will need to be operated on. I was playing on the golf course when I fell.

"I am devastated and I want to send my best wishes to everyone at The Oval for this week. I am absolutely devastated! I will be back !...Jonathan Marc."

SIGN UP DEALS AND FREE BETS BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFER

England's World Cup changes include Ben Stokes being promoted to No.4 - something he has never done in England.

Stokes's T20 record is not good for England. He has never scored a century in 34 games and only taken 19 wickets.

Key is confident that his confidence and soaring form after his Test performances as captain, bowler, and batsman can translate into the shorter format.

Key stated that Ben has not been found his best role in T20s, and he would like to be promoted.

"There is a great line in his documentary that says "big moments find him" and you want him to have the chance. Ben Stokes isn't going to be happy if he isn't in the top 10.

"He's always done well in IPL when he opens the batting or gets in early. He can influence a game.

Hales was finally recalled by Key, who revealed that Hales had 'phoned Key to ask why he was still out in the cold.

Key said that Alex called me. I prefer it when people pick up the telephone and ask why they aren't in a squad, as opposed to those who moan behind closed doors. As I have said, Alex has been sentenced for his crimes.

"Jason Roy was very disappointed. He used the expression "gutted" I believe. Jos called him, he wanted to be the one who told him. They share a close relationship.

"Jason wants to prove he's still interested in international cricket. I don't believe he is."

England has named 19 players to play in seven T20s in Pakistan this month. These include uncapped Jordan Cox, Tom Helm (Middlesex), Will Jacks and Luke Wood (Lancashire). Olly Stone (Warwickshire), has not appeared in T20s for England, but has played in other formats.

Buttler will travel to Pakistan, but he is likely to be fit for only the last few games while he heals from a calf injury. Moeen Ali, England's captain in his absence, will take charge.

Chris Jordan (finger), and Liam Livingstone(ankle) won't travel, but they should be fit to compete in the World Cup.

After missing the entire summer, quick bowlers Chris Woakes (quick bowler) and Mark Wood (slow bowler) are back in good health.